The clash seemed destined to be heading for a draw after Pape Souare's own goal canceled out Scott Dann's opener in the final quarter. However, Bakary Sako’s late debut strike secured maximum points for the London hosts.

It was an impressive 21-minute cameo from the Aston Villa summer signing, who was yet to feature for the club due to fitness concerns. The club’s fans will not begrudge Tim Sherwood utilising the youngster in the dying stages, with his decision paying off for the visiting side.

The former Barcelona man took just eight minutes to show the Premier League what he is all about when he set up their equaliser, firing in a shot-turned-cross that was deflected into the back of the Palace net.

While limited to just seven touches, his eagerness to run at - and attack - the opposition back four was evident. His total involvement included just a single attempted pass, while he fired two crosses into the opposition penalty area.

Offering pace and power down the right flank, he completed one dribble and drew a further two fouls. He burst past Jason Puncheon with ease in the build up to the Villans' second-half goal.

The early signs suggest Traore, at just 19 years of age, will be a huge hit for the Midlands outfit. If his first appearance for the club is anything to go by, he will strike fear into the hearts of opposing top-flight full-backs for many years to come.

Chris Linnell

Chris is a freelance football writer from Wiltshire, England. He is currently studying Modern History and Politics at the University of Liverpool. He has written for various other sites, including the Boot Room and Bleacher Report. His work has also featured on Eurosport.